[Edited]

Kimimaru

I was glad that Gaara helped me out. I thought I was done for but thanks to Gaara I'm still alive. Also, once I opened the scrolls Kakashi sensei popped out so I told him if I could speak with Gramps.

"I see, don't worry Anko told me about Orochimaru." Gramps said.

"Also, he said something about my past. I can't stop thinking about it and I was wondering-"

"Kimimaru, I think I know what you want so why don't you just come out and say it." He said leaning back into his chair.

"I want you to give me permission to leave the village for I can find out more about my past." I replied. He was quite for a while then he sighed.

"Alright but with one condition."

"What is it?"

"No one can find out about this. Also, you'll have two years or so to return after you leave. The day you decide to leave will be up to you." I nodded then stood up.

"Thanks Gramps but what if I need to get information from Itachi?" I asked and he was quite.

"If that happens I want you to get as much information about the organization he's in. Understood?"

"Yes sir!"

"You're dismissed oh and good luck with the exams." He said I before leaving the room.

I walked back to my room where I have been staying for three days or so. And opened a bag of chocolate chip cookies and made a ramen cup. I sat near the window and stared at Haku's mask and Zabuza's blade.

"Why is life so complicated?" I asked myself.

"Because society sucks." I heard a familiar voice say.

I turned to the door to see Kiba standing there with Akamaru inside his coat. I stood up and sat down on the bed. He smiled and did the same.

"So you just got here?" I asked and he nodded.

"Yeah, but I thought I was going to be killed by that sand kid." I tilted my head at him but the look he gave me I knew I would find out later.

"Where's Hinata?" I asked him.

"Oh, she with everyone outside. I came to tell that the Hokage will announce the next part of the exams." I nodded and stood up.

"Alright let's go." I said grabbing my blade.

"Shall we skip then?" He said and I giggled.

"Yes we shall." I said locking arms with each other. And we skipped all the way to the arena.

Sasuke

I was walking to the arena with Naruto and Sakura. Sakura kept looking at me because of the mark the Orochimaru left me. I told her not to tell Naruto or Kimimaru.

"Kiba! You're going to fast! Slow down!" I heard Kimimaru shout.

"It's not my fault that you can't skip as fast as me." Kiba said putting his arm around her.

"Ah, Kimimaru! Hey over here!" Naruto shouted.

"Naruto! Sakura! Sasuke! You guys made it." Kimimaru said running up to us and hugging me.

"Sasuke," She whispered into my ear.

"What is it?" I whispered back.

"You need to see Kakashi about the mark." She said and I pulled her away from everyone else.

"How do you know about that?" I asked and she gave me a sad smile.

"Because he gave it to me once." She touch her neck then mine.

"Promise me you won't go to him." I was quite for a while but then nodded.

"I promise." She smiled, hugged me then went back to the others.

Everyone were lining up with their teams. I walked over to my team when I felt a sharp pain in my neck. I looked over at Sakura and noticed the concern look on her face. Then I looked over at Kimimaru who was standing in front of everyone else with her mask on. When did she put it on?

"First off for the second test. Congratulations on passing. The Hokage will now explain the third test. Listen carefully. Lord Hokage." Anko said catching everyone's attention.

"Yes, for the coming third test... but before I explain that... There is something I'd like you to know. It concerns the true meaning of the exams." The Hokage said. I noticed everyone was confused except for Kimimaru and the sand kids.

"Why do we have all the allianced countries taking the exams together? 'To promote friendship among the countries.' 'To raise the level of a shinobi.' I don't want you to be confused about the true meaning... this exam is a replacement for war among the allied countries."

"What does that mean?" I heard someone say.

"If you go back in time the current allies were enemies who fought each other over who would rule. In order to prevent wasteful fighting, the stage these the countries chose for battle... that is the origin of the Chuunin Selection Exam." The Hokage finished.

"Why the hell do we need to do that crap! Isn't this to decide who's a Chunin?!" Naruto shouted.

"Naruto you're wrong." Kimimaru said looking straight at the Hokage.

"It's true that the exams are to see if you're qualified to be a Chunin but that's not the only thing. The country's shinobi risk their own life to protect the land's prestige. Am I right Gramps?" She said smiling at him.

"You're right but-"

"Also, important people are going to be watching us. The leaders of the countries are going to be watching. We have to show them who's stronger. We as shinobi have to represent our village. A shinobi's true strength is born only through life - risking battle." Kimimaru said not letting the Hokage explain himself.

"I guess I don't have to explain myself as much as I had to." The Hokage said looking at Kimimaru.

"How do you know so much about this?" I heard Kabuto said. I still don't trust them even though he helped us out in the forest.

"Everyone always talks about it. It just that we don't pay attention." She said smiling at him.

"Coming from the person who would sleep in class all the time." I said and she gave me a harsh look.

"Anyway, This is a life - risking battle. With your dreams and your country prestige on the line." The Hokage said making her face him.

"I get it." Naruto said nodding his head like an idiot.

"I don't care what it is. Just hurry up and tell us what this life - risking battle entails." That sand kid said.

"Yeah! I agree with Gaara." Kimimaru said smiling at him.

"Yes, I'd like to explain the third test but..."

"Actually *cough* I apologize lord Hokage. From here on as referee will you please allow me Hayate Gekkou." A shinobi said appearing out of anywhere in front of the Hokage.

"By all means." The Hokage replied.

"Hello everyone, I'm Hayate. Umm before the third test there's something I'd like you to know. Umm it's a preliminary for the third test. To decided who gets to participate in the main event." Hayate said coughing like crazy.

"Preliminary?! What do you mean?!" Shikamaru shouted.

"Sensei, I don't understand this preliminary but why aren't all these people allowed to participate in the next test?" Sakura asked.

"That's easy Sakura because there still too many of us. People are gonna get bored plus as Gramps said. There will be many people who are going to come and watch. There's not going to be enough time for every single battle. Plus, they have to reduce the number of participants." Kimimaru said looking at Sakura.

"Well aren't you a smart one. Anyway, *cough* those who are not feeling well or what to quit can go. We will be starting the preliminary immediately." Hayate said.

Kabuto

I looked over at Orochimaru and then at the girl Kimimaru. I don't see what he wants me to do with her but I can't disobey him.

~ Flashback~

"Thanks for the help Kabuto." That annoying blonde hair kid said.

"You're welcome. I'll be leaving now also good luck with the rest of the exam." I said before walking away from them.

I went around the building to find Orochimaru leaning against a pillar. He looked at me then smiled evily.

"Ah, Kabuto change of plans. You'll stay in the exams." He said and I was confused.

"Why the sudden change of plans my lord?" I asked.

"I want you to fight the girl. Her name is Kimimaru. She was raised by Itachi Uchiha. She has no memory of her past will most that is." He said looking out into the distance.

"Why are you telling me all this?" I asked and he sighed then looked at me.

"I want you to get her furious. I want to see why he wants her. Can I count on you to do so?" He asked and I nodded.

"Yes lord Orochimaru." I said before walking away.

"Try not to get yourself killed." He said laughing a evilish laughter.

~ End of Flashback~

I looked at Kimimaru and she caught my gaze. She smiled then looked over at Sasuke. He turned to look at me and I smiled at him.

This is going to be interesting.

Kimimaru

No one was backing down and I didn't like that. I could see everyone was confused but also determined.

"Alright no one is retiring right?" Hayate said.

I smiled then looked over at Kiba. He smiled at me and Akamaru barked. I was about to walk over to him when I heard Sakura scream at Sasuke.

"Please quit Sasuke." She said with tears in her eyes.

"Stay out of my business." Sasuke said. I ran up to him and punched him in the face. Everyone went quite and stared at me.

"You idiot! Can't you see she worried about you!" I yelled as he go up from the ground.

"What are you guys looking at?! Turn around before I beat some sense into you!" I said and everyone did as I said.

"Stop trying to act cool! Can't you see Sakura and Kimimaru are worried and-"

"Naruto, Kimimaru, I want to fight you guys the most." Sasuke replied. I was ready to rip him into pieces but then I remembered what Itachi said.

"I hope you know what you're doing." I said before walking away from him.

"Um... now let's begin the preliminary. This preliminary will consist of one on one fighting. You will basically be fighting as in real life confrontation. Since we have exactly 22 entrance we will conduct 11 matches and the winners will advance to the third test." Hayate said.

"There are basically no rules. The fight will continue until one of you dies or is knocked out or admits defeat. If you don't want to die then quickly acknowledge your defeat. I'll jump in and stop things if I want. And the object that controls your destiny is this. This electronic scoreboard will show the match ups for each battle. Now this is sudden but let's announce the first two names of the first fight." Hayate said.

We all looked over at the board and waited until the names appeared. I smirked at the board then looked at Sasuke then at Naruto and finally at Sakura. Naruto and Sakura looked at Sasuke then at me.

"Alright here I go. Whish me luck guys." I said walking up to Hayate. I looked over at the guy with glass and smiled.

"Kabuto! Get over here!" He stared at me with wide eyes but then smiled. He walked over to me and we faced each other.

This is going to be fun.